WELLINGTON (AFP) - All Black lock Brad Thorn was suspended for a week Sunday for picking up and dumping Springboks captain John Smit during the bruising Tri-Series Test, meaning he will miss next week's second match.

The penalty, for an act "contrary to good sportsmanship," was imposed after a SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia rugby) judicial hearing.

Thorn was initially accused of a dangerous tackle but this was amended to the lesser charge after a video review by judicial officer Dennis Wheelahan, the New Zealand Rugby Union said in a statement.

"Thorn admitted the lifting and dropping of Smit constituted an act of foul play. Mr. Wheelahan said the conduct was an act contrary to good sportsmanship rather than a dangerous tackle," the statement said.

The New Zealand-born and Brisbane-raised lock, who also played rugby league for Australia, was a key figure in an immensely physical first Test won by the All Blacks 19-8 to maintain 10 years of home dominance against South Africa.

In the fifth minute, Thorn picked up Smit and dropped him on the ground, sparking an all-in brawl.

Smit later left the field with a groin injury which he said developed after he was treated "like a tent peg."

Thorn was cited by the match commissioner Tim Harland and not by the Springboks.

After the Test, Smit described the tackle as a "heat of the moment" incident and said Thorn had immediately apologised.

"It's part and parcel with any combative situation between All Blacks and Springboks," the Springbok captain and hooker said.

"The first thing he did was come and say sorry and that it was unnecessary. There are no personal issues with things like that."

New Zealand face South Africa again in Dunedin next Saturday.